Katherine Bierman

Hooker Creek Ranch Scholarship

2010-2011 Recipient: Katherine Bierman

Katie came to Gonzaga from Redmond, where her family has been living for about four years. They moved there from the Bay Area in California. "From the Bay Area in California to Redmond, I really noticed a shift in the pace of life: in Redmond, people take their time and enjoy themselves and do not make work their life. I prefer this slower paced lifestyle and find it is one of my favorite things about living in a smaller town."

She graduated from a very small (graduating class of 23) International Baccalaureate charter school, The International School of the Cascades. While a student there, she participated in various community service projects, was an officer in the National Honor Society, was a student body officer, played softball, and was a tutor for younger students.

Now a college junior, Katie chose Gonzaga because, "I definitely felt a certain indescribable energy when I visited, and after meeting the people and seeing the beautiful campus, I knew it was for me. I also really love the small class sizes and the climate of Spokane, which greatly mirrors the climate in Central Oregon."

She is majoring in English and minoring in Art. She chose English because of her passion for surveying the various works of literature through the ages and, as she says, "getting a feel for the evolution of thought."

When she's not in class, she keeps busy in a number of other activities and projects, including intramural sports, residence hall activities, and mentoring and tutoring underprivileged schoolchildren.

She's not sure yet what she'd like to do after college, but knows that her English degree will be applicable in many fields, and her love of art will accompany her on her journey.

Katie expressed her appreciation for receiving her scholarship: "It really made a financial difference to me. I know numerous peers of mine (from Central Oregon) have passed up the opportunity to attend college due to lack of money, and opportunities such as this could definitely change their futures."